As the weather cools and my mind wanders to far away places, I chose to take a side-road back into landscape; looking deeper into atmospheric techniques. Have called this work “Road Home” and is an experiment using various media to produce atmosphere. I am leaning towards a mix between Stage 1. and 3. (below) and will continue experimenting. The completed study is approximately 450 x 450 mm sq. worked on textured paper.

1. Alcohol used to fix dark pastel layer.

2. Pastel layer blended with alcohol.

3. Layer of water-based oils.

4. Pastel highlights and texture.

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A few weeks ago, when the weather was sunny I took the easel outside in the Autumn warmth. I like to have several paintings on the go, of varying sizes. It gives me a sense of achievement and satisfaction as one completes and another begins. I particularly enjoy working on a square format.

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I have come to realise the importance of playing, failing and discovery. Here are some of my experiments from the weekend. Some worked, some didn’t, but what was important is that I rocked up to the easel and was ready to fail; because I now realise that within that failure is inevitable discovery!

Acrylic base with ink brushwork

Pre-primed papers and black and white sketches

Fibrous stick for ink drawing

Finding a silhouette

Overpainted this experiment but learnt what not to do!

Quick landscape using ink and brush

Ink on textured gold acrylic primed paper

Over the corn field – ink study

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All three landscapes are now finished and many learnings during the process. Have started thinking about this weeks studies and will post as I go. I am allowing myself short bursts of activity before and after work duties, just as I did prior to lockdown, keeps me focused and grounded – thank goodness for art in my life!

Three Landscape Studies – beginning stages

Three completed landscapes in pastel

First Pastel Layer after Acrylic

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The three landscape studies above were started after making small black and white studies (size of matchbox)j from several photo’s. All very much experimental and not necessarily looking for finished pieces. Never-the-less this first completed piece ‘Road to Patuha – II’ seems to have found it’s focus.

The first work, far left on my drawing board was posted earlier this week – the completed image below. Link takes you to my FB page Road to Patuha – the making.